Question

Which characteristic allows carbon atoms to form chains and rings with other carbon atoms?

Answer 1

Carbon has four electrons in its outer valence shell. According to octet rule atoms combines to attain eight electrons in its outermost valence shell to reach a electronic configuration of noble gas. The atoms either loose or gain electrons to attain this noble gas configuration. However, in case of carbon, it is very difficult to either loose or gain electrons because of energy constrain. The carbon atoms combine among themselves by sharing these outer valence shell electrons that results to the formation of chains and rings. These electrons may be shared in different combinations that results in the formation of single, double or triple bonds.